Global Survey Finds One in Five Feel Discriminated Against Because of Their Diabetes

CHICAGO, June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Key results from the global Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 study (DAWN2TM) show that one in five people with diabetes feel discriminated against because of their condition, and support from the broader community is scarce. Results from the DAWN2 study were presented at the 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). DAWN2 represents opinions from more than 15,000 people living, or caring for people, with diabetes in 17 countries across four continents.

Family members and health care professionals surveyed as part of DAWN2 report similar beliefs. According to the study, one in five family members also believes that their loved ones with diabetes face discrimination. Among the diabetes health care professionals participating in the survey, one out of three were concerned about discrimination and said there was a “major need” for improvement in the acceptance of people with diabetes as equal members in society. Furthermore, the DAWN2 study revealed that the experience of being discriminated against due to diabetes is associated with emotional distress.

“Evidence suggests that even with the best modern therapies and care, the experience of discrimination can influence self-management, quality of life as well as clinical outcomes for people with chronic illnesses. The DAWN2 study results highlight surprisingly high rates of perceived experienced discrimination and allow for an in-depth understanding now of the nature of this discrimination and the consequences it has for health and quality of life,” said Professor Mark Peyrot, Principal Investigator and Chair of the International Publication Planning Committee (IPPC) overseeing DAWN2.

The DAWN2 study also found major variations between countries in perceived discrimination, ranging from 11-28 percent for people with diabetes1 and 10-40 percent for family members, suggesting that there are viable pathways for improvement and that countries can look to others for models to follow.

“Through DAWN2, people with diabetes and their families have been given a voice. In this day and age, no one should face discrimination because of diabetes and people with diabetes have the right to live full, active lives and have an equal role in society. We will use the results of DAWN2 to educate decision-makers to make changes that are desperately needed to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes,” said Sir Michael Hirst, president of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Additional DAWN2 study results released during ADA highlighted significant inadequacies across countries in relation to empowerment and education of people with diabetes, psychosocial support and quality diabetes care.2

Key results presented were (data were adjusted according to age and gender to reflect the general diabetes population in each country):

• People with diabetes had significant emotional distress related to their diabetes (mean 44.6 percent, ranging from 22 percent in the United States and 21 percent in the Netherlands to 65 percent in Algeria) • 13.8 percent of people with diabetes had severely impaired emotional well-being and were at risk of depression (ranging from 8 percent in Mexico to 16.6 percent in the United States and 20 percent in Algeria) • Over one-third (35.3 percent) of family members reported a significant burden on the family related to diabetes (ranging from 12-60 percent) • 48.8 percent people with diabetes had attended diabetes education (ranging from 23 percent in India to 74 percent in the United States and 83 percent in Canada) • 23.1 percent of family members had attended diabetes education (ranging from 12percent in The Russian Federation to 31 percent in the United States and 40 percent in Denmark)3

Three scientific articles were released on June 23, 2013, focusing on country variations in psychosocial indicators of diabetes care as assessed by people with diabetes, family members and health care professionals.

About DAWN2TM

DAWN2 is a global Novo Nordisk initiative conducted in collaboration with the IDF, the International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO), the Steno Diabetes Center, and a range of other national, regional and global partners. The DAWN2TM results will be used internationally and nationally to facilitate dialogue among patient organizations, health care professionals and other key stakeholders to develop action plans for improvement of the lives of people with diabetes. Further information available at www.dawnstudy.com.

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Greetings from Nadia

A few facts about me in case you are new to my column and site.

My life in the diabetes community started at a young age as the secret keeper of my maternal and paternal Grandmothers. They both had type 2 diabetes and my days spent alone with them exposed me to their misunderstanding of how their diabetes really affected them. Eating candy bars, hiding the candy wrappers and smoking cigarettes seemed innocent enough to them. A decade later I married a type 1 person living with diabetes and experienced the full court of the diabetes spectrum with my type 2 family members and type 1 husband of almost 20 years.

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My grandmothers, the type 2 have struggled with their diabetes as long as I could remember. Later my mother followed in her mother’s footsteps. Sadly, my brother followed in my mother’s footsteps and experienced an early passing at the age of 53. My brother Jamal’s passing had the greatest impact on me. Probably because were the Irish twins; eleven months apart and his departure devastated me.

As I tell most people, diabetes is not a glamorous profession. Most people that work in the industry have a personal connection. This is why I am still here publishing after 26 years.

On the flip side of the coin, helping and inspiring people is my mission. I understand the daily challenges you face regardless of your education, IQ and economic circumstance. I am not a healthcare professional. Simply a lay person who has lived with a Type 1 and Type 2 family member who struggled with their disease. My former Type 1 husband was a role model in how to manage your diabetes, while my intelligent family members were role models on how an invisible disease can be misunderstood, devastating the quality of their life while leaving heart broken family members behind.

The perils of my experience have taught me to never judge anyone. As knowledgeable as I am, I also realize that I have no idea of the strings that pull at each person heart.

What I love about the diabetes community?

Once I meet someone and we share that we have a common experience; their diabetes and my life long experience as a care taker, we tend to have an instant bond. Think about it. How many people do you meet who you feel really get you right after your introduction? The conversations that follow tend to be very personal. Not a common experience with all strangers.

AskNadia Column

I started this column because where ever I go, people tend to ask me a lot of diabetes questions.

My answers are my opinions and it is not to be replaced by your healthcare professional’s opinion. The answers to your question in most cases will include research and other links to give you a borader perspective on your question.